Willdan Group, Inc. (“Willdan”) (NASDAQ: WLDN), a provider of professional technical and consulting services, today reported financial results for its third quarter ended September 26, 2014, and provided a business update.

For the third quarter of 2014, Willdan reported total contract revenue of $28.2 million and net income of $4.2 million, or $0.53 per diluted share. For the nine months ended September 26, 2014, total contract revenue was $77.8 million and net income was $7.4 million, or $0.96 per diluted share.

“We delivered strong third quarter financial and operating results, and our ninth consecutive quarter of profitability,” said Willdan’s Chief Executive Officer Tom Brisbin. “Our revenue grew by 33% year-over-year due primarily to increases in demand for our energy efficiency services as well as greater demand for our engineering services as the economy improves and municipalities have more funds for outsourcing services. Revenue growth, combined with our actions to manage expenses and improve our cash conversion cycle, resulted in a significant increase in net income even without the benefit of a reversal of a deferred tax asset valuation allowance.

“The improved economic environment together with further diversification of our service offerings and expansion into new geographies are securing a solid foundation for future growth and profitability,” he added. “Additionally, our strong balance sheet positions us for additional growth opportunities through strategic acquisitions.”

Third Quarter 2014 Financial Highlights

Total contract revenue for the third quarter of 2014 increased 33.2% to $28.2 million compared with $21.2 million for the third quarter of 2013. Revenue growth was due primarily to a $5.0 million increase in contract revenue for the Energy Efficiency Services segment to $13.6 million for the third quarter of 2014, resulting from an increase in the direct installation of energy efficiency measures from energy efficiency audits in New York and California. Contract revenue for the Engineering Services segment increased by $2.0 million to $11.1 million as a result of greater demand for city engineering services in northern California, our building and safety, and construction management services. Contract revenue for the Public Finance Services segment and the Homeland Security Services segment was $2.8 million and $0.7 million, respectively.

Net income for the quarter ended September 26, 2014 increased by $3.3 million, to $4.2 million, or $0.53 per diluted share. During the third quarter of 2014, Willdan concluded that it was more likely than not that its deferred tax assets, for which a valuation allowance had been established, will be realized. Accordingly, Willdan reversed all of its deferred tax asset valuation allowance. Excluding reversal of the deferred tax asset valuation allowance of $4.6 million, Willdan’s net income totaled $2.7 million, or $0.34 per diluted share for the quarter ended September 26, 2014, compared with net income of $0.8 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, for the quarter ended September 27, 2013.

Revenue, net of subcontractor costs, (as defined below) for the third quarter of 2014 increased 28% to $22.2 million compared with $17.4 million for the third quarter of 2013.

Direct costs of contract revenue were $16.5 million for the third quarter of 2014, compared with $12.0 million for the third quarter of 2013. The $4.5 million increase resulted primarily from increased demand for the energy efficiency, sustainability and renewable energy services of Willdan Energy Solutions, which generally utilizes a higher percentage of subconsultants than Willdan’s other subsidiaries.

Gross margin for the third quarter of 2014 was 41.6% compared with gross margin of 43.4% for the third quarter of 2013.

Total general and administrative expenses for the third quarter of 2014 increased by 9.1% to $9.1 million compared with $8.3 million in the prior year period.

Nine Months 2014 Financial Highlights

Total contract revenue for the nine months ended September 26, 2014 increased 23.5% to $77.8 million from $63.0 million for the nine months ended September 27, 2013. The increase was due primarily to an $11.1 million increase in contract revenue for the Energy Efficiency Services segment resulting from an increase in the direct installation of energy efficiency measures from energy efficiency audits in New York and California. Contract revenue for the Engineering Services segment increased by $3.5 million to $29.5 million as a result of greater demand for our city engineering services in northern California, our building and safety, and construction management services. Contract revenue was $8.0 million and $2.7 million, for the Public Finance Services and the Homeland Security Services segment, respectively.

Net income for the nine months ended September 26, 2014 increased by $5.4 million to $7.4 million, or $0.96 per diluted share. Excluding reversal of the deferred tax asset valuation allowance of $4.6 million, the Company’s net income totaled $6.0 million, or $0.78 per diluted share for the nine months ended September 26, 2014, compared with net income of $1.9 million, or $0.26 per diluted share, for the nine months ended September 27, 2013.

Revenue, net of subcontractor costs (as defined below), for the nine months ended September 26, 2014 increased 21% to $61.8 million from $51.0 million for the nine months ended September 27, 2013.

Direct costs of contract revenue were $45.9 million for the nine months ended September 26, 2014, compared with $35.4 million for the nine months ended September 27, 2013. The $10.5 million increase resulted primarily from increased demand for the energy efficiency, sustainability and renewable energy services of Willdan Energy Solutions, which generally utilizes a higher percentage of subconsultants than Willdan’s other subsidiaries and an increase in personnel costs of $2.4 million.

Gross margin for the first nine months of 2014 was 41.0% compared with gross margin of 43.8% for the prior year period. Accounts receivable days outstanding was 77 days for the nine months ended September 26, 2014, compared with 75 days for the nine months ended September 27, 2013.

Total general and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 26, 2014 increased by 1.7% to $25.9 million from $25.5 million for the prior year period, but decreased as a percentage of contract revenue from 40.5% for the third quarter of 2013 to 33.4% for the third quarter of 2014.

Adjusted EBITDA (as defined below) was $6.3 million and adjusted EBITDA margin was 8.1% for the nine months ended September 26, 2014, compared with $2.6 million and 4.1%, respectively, for the nine months ended September 27, 2013.

   
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
In thousands (except per share data) September 26,

2014

  September 27,

2013

September 26,

2014

  September 27,

2013

Revenue $ 28,187   $ 21,167   $ 77,843   $ 63,048  
 
Income from operations 2,651 882 5,904 2,057
Interest income 1 3 4 8
Interest expense (4 ) (9 ) (11 ) (86 )
Other, net 49 10 116 35
Income tax (benefit) expense (1,464 ) 44   (1,356 ) 85  
Net income $ 4,161   $ 842   $ 7,369   $ 1,929  
 
Earnings per share:
Basic $ 0.56 $ 0.11 $ 0.99 $ 0.26
Diluted $ 0.53 $ 0.11 $ 0.96 $ 0.26
 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic 7,507 7,359 7,440 7,349
Diluted 7,855 7,526 7,700 7,443
 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Willdan reported $13.4 million in cash and cash equivalents at September 26, 2014, compared with $8.1 million at December 27, 2013. Willdan's primary sources of liquidity are cash generated from operations and a revolving line of credit with BMO Harris Bank, N.A., which matures on March 24, 2016. In connection with the new credit facility entered into during the first half of 2014, no cash amounts are restricted as of September 26, 2014 compared with $5.0 million at December 27, 2013. Cash flows provided by operating activities were $5.8 million for the nine months ended September 26, 2014, compared with $4.2 million for the nine months ended September 27, 2013.

Outlook

Willdan expects to achieve contract revenue growth of at least 15% for full year 2014, and is targeting contract revenue growth of up to 15% per year for 2015 and 2016 from combined organic and acquisitive growth. Willdan is reaffirming additional three-year financial and operational targets announced on June 20, 2014, as follows:

  • Gross margin of 40% to 45%
  • Adjusted EBITDA margin of 5% to 10%
  • Accounts receivable days outstanding of 70 to 75

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

“Revenue, net of subcontractor costs,” a non-GAAP financial measure, is a supplemental measure that Willdan believes enhances investors' ability to analyze our business trend and performance because it substantially measures the work performed by our employees. In the course of providing services, we routinely subcontract various services. Generally, these subcontractor costs are passed through to our clients and, in accordance with GAAP and industry practice, are included in our revenue when it is our contractual responsibility to procure or manage these activities. Because subcontractor services can vary significantly from project to project and period to period, changes in revenue may not necessarily be indicative of our business trends. Accordingly, we segregate costs from revenue to promote a better understanding of our business by evaluating revenue exclusive of costs associated with external service providers. A reconciliation of contract revenue as reported in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) to revenues, net of subcontractor costs is provided at the end of this news release.

Adjusted EBITDA is a supplemental measure used by Willdan's management to measure its operating performance. Willdan defines Adjusted EBITDA as net income plus net interest expense, income tax expense (benefit), depreciation and amortization, goodwill impairment and other non-recurring income and expense items occurring in such period. Willdan believes Adjusted EBITDA is useful to investors, research analysts, investment bankers and lenders because it removes the impact of certain non-recurring income and expense items from its operational results, which may facilitate comparison of its results from period to period. A reconciliation of net income as reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP to Adjusted EBITDA is provided at the end of this news release.

Adjusted EBITDA margin is a supplemental measure used by Willdan's management to measure its operating performance. Willdan defines Adjusted EBITDA margin as Adjusted EBITDA (as defined above) divided by total contract revenue in such period. Willdan believes Adjusted EBITDA margin can provide an investor with a cleaner view of a company's core profitability. A reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA margin is provided at the end of this news release.

Willdan's definition of Revenue, net of subcontractor costs, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin may differ from other companies reporting similarly named measures. These measures should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, or superior to, other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, such as contract revenue and net income.

Conference Call Details

Chief Executive Officer Thomas Brisbin and Chief Financial Officer Stacy McLaughlin will host a conference call today, November 6, 2014, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time/2:00 p.m. Pacific Time, to discuss Willdan's financial results and provide a business update.

Interested parties may participate in the conference call by dialing 888-471-3843 (719-325-2315 for international callers). When prompted, ask for the “Willdan Group, Inc., Third Quarter 2014 Conference Call.” The conference call will be webcast simultaneously on Willdan’s website at www.willdan.com under Investors: Events.

The telephonic replay of the conference call may be accessed approximately two hours after the call through November 20, 2014, by dialing 888-203-1112 (719-457-0820 for international callers). The replay access code is 2327628. The webcast replay will be archived for 12 months.

About Willdan Group, Inc.

Celebrating its 50th year of business, Willdan provides outsourced professional technical and consulting services to public agencies, public and private utilities, and commercial and industrial firms throughout the United States. Willdan benefits from well-established relationships, industry-leading expertise and a solid reputation for delivering projects on time and on budget. The company's service offerings span a broad set of complementary disciplines that include engineering and planning, energy efficiency and sustainability, financial and economic consulting, and national preparedness. Willdan has crafted this set of integrated services so that, in the face of an evolving environment—whether economic, natural, or built—Willdan can continue to extend the reach and resources of its clients. For additional information, visit Willdan's website at www.willdan.com.

Forward Looking Statements

Statements in this press release that are not purely historical, including statements regarding Willdan's intentions, hopes, beliefs, expectations, representations, projections, estimates, plans or predictions of the future are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to our ability to expand our service offerings and geographic reach, continue to win new contracts and locate and successfully complete acquisition opportunities. It is important to note that Willdan's actual results could differ materially from those in any such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, a slowdown in the local and regional economies of the states where Willdan conducts business and the loss of or inability to hire additional qualified professionals. Willdan's business could be affected by a number of other factors, including the risk factors listed from time to time in Willdan's SEC reports including, but not limited to, the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed for the year ended December 27, 2013. Willdan cautions investors not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Willdan disclaims any obligation to, and does not undertake to, update or revise any forward-looking statements in this press release.

   
WILLDAN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
September 26,
2014
December 27,
2013
(unaudited)
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents including restricted cash of $0 and $5,000,000 at September 26, 2014 and December 27, 2013, respectively $ 13,374,000 $ 8,134,000
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $724,000 and $385,000 at September 26, 2014 and December 27, 2013, respectively 14,100,000 13,167,000
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts 14,046,000 9,635,000
Other receivables 888,000 212,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,375,000   2,377,000  
Total current assets 43,783,000 33,525,000
 
Equipment and leasehold improvements, net 1,015,000 691,000
Other assets 554,000 333,000
Deferred income taxes, net of current portion 4,968,000   3,688,000  
Total assets $ 50,320,000   $ 38,237,000  
 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Excess of outstanding checks over bank balance $ 1,136,000 $ 1,473,000
Accounts payable 4,198,000 3,957,000
Accrued liabilities 8,722,000 5,808,000
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts 4,430,000 2,247,000
Current portion of notes payable 517,000
Current portion of capital lease obligations 261,000 129,000
Current portion of deferred income taxes 3,205,000   3,688,000  
Total current liabilities 21,952,000 17,819,000
 
Capital lease obligations, less current portion 222,000 85,000
Deferred lease obligations 34,000   120,000  
Total liabilities 22,208,000   18,024,000  
 
Commitments and contingencies
 
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and

outstanding

Common stock, $0.01 par value, 40,000,000 shares authorized: 7,538,000 and 7,375,000

shares issued and outstanding at September 26, 2014 and December 27, 2013, respectively

75,000 74,000
Additional paid-in capital 35,183,000 34,654,000
Accumulated deficit (7,146,000 ) (14,515,000 )
Total stockholders’ equity 28,112,000   20,213,000  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 50,320,000   $ 38,237,000  
 
WILLDAN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
   
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 26,   September 27, September 26,   September 27,
2014   2013   2014   2013  
 
Contract revenue $ 28,187,000 $ 21,167,000 $ 77,843,000 $ 63,048,000
 
Direct costs of contract revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below):
Salaries and wages 7,290,000 6,136,000 20,495,000 18,108,000
Subconsultant services and other direct costs 9,179,000   5,836,000   25,471,000   17,336,000  
Total direct costs of contract revenue 16,469,000   11,972,000   45,966,000   35,444,000  
 
General and administrative expenses:
Salaries and wages, payroll taxes and employee benefits 5,444,000 4,947,000 15,376,000 15,433,000
Facilities and facilities related 1,084,000 1,167,000 3,271,000 3,504,000
Stock-based compensation 81,000 36,000 174,000 124,000
Depreciation and amortization 124,000 125,000 329,000 401,000
Lease abandonment, net 13,000
Other 2,334,000   2,038,000   6,823,000   6,072,000  
Total general and administrative expenses 9,067,000   8,313,000   25,973,000   25,547,000  
Income from operations 2,651,000   882,000   5,904,000   2,057,000  
 
Other income (expense), net:
Interest income 1,000 3,000 4,000 8,000
Interest expense (4,000 ) (9,000 ) (11,000 ) (86,000 )
Other, net 49,000   10,000   116,000   35,000  
Total other income (expense), net 46,000   4,000   109,000   (43,000 )
Income before income taxes 2,697,000 886,000 6,013,000 2,014,000
 
Income tax (benefit) expense (1,464,000 ) 44,000   (1,356,000 ) 85,000  
Net income $ 4,161,000   $ 842,000   $ 7,369,000   $ 1,929,000  
 
Earnings per share:
Basic $ 0.55   $ 0.11   $ 0.99   $ 0.26  
Diluted $ 0.53   $ 0.11   $ 0.96   $ 0.26  
 
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic 7,507,000 7,359,000 7,440,000 7,349,000
Diluted 7,855,000 7,526,000 7,700,000 7,443,000
 
WILLDAN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
 
Nine Months Ended
September 26,
2014
  September 27,
2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income $ 7,369,000 $ 1,929,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 329,000 452,000
Deferred income taxes (1,763,000 )
Lease abandonment expense, net 13,000
Gain on sale of equipment (3,000 ) (3,000 )
Provision for doubtful accounts 401,000 219,000
Stock-based compensation 174,000 118,000
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable (1,334,000 ) 4,872,000
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts (4,411,000 ) 295,000
Other receivables (676,000 ) 33,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,002,000 212,000
Other assets (221,000 ) (7,000 )
Accounts payable 241,000 (3,551,000 )
Changes in excess of outstanding checks over bank balance (337,000 ) (19,000 )
Accrued liabilities 2,914,000 620,000
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts 2,183,000 (805,000 )
Deferred lease obligations (86,000 ) (232,000 )
Net cash provided by operating activities 5,782,000   4,146,000
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of equipment and leasehold improvements (179,000 ) (248,000 )
Proceeds from sale of equipment 5,000   16,000
Net cash used in investing activities (174,000 ) (232,000 )
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments on notes payable (517,000 ) (604,000 )
Borrowings under line of credit 266,000
Repayments on line of credit (3,266,000 )
Principal payments on capital lease obligations (207,000 ) (50,000 )
Proceeds from stock option exercise 280,000 15,000
Proceeds from sales of common stock under employee stock purchase plan 76,000   73,000
Net cash used in financing activities (368,000 ) (3,566,000 )
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 5,240,000 348,000
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period 8,134,000   10,006,000
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period $ 13,374,000   $ 10,354,000
 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest $ 11,000 $ 86,000
Income taxes 61,000 164,000
 
Supplemental disclosures of noncash investing and financing activities:
Equipment acquired under capital lease obligations $ 476,000 $ 60,000
 
 
Willdan Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Reconciliation of GAAP Net Income and “Net Income, Excluding Income Tax Benefit”
 
  Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
In thousands (except per share data) September 26,
2014
September 26,
2014
Net income $ 4,161 $ 7,369
Income tax (benefit) expense (1,464 ) (1,356 )
Net income, excluding income tax benefit $ 2,697   $ 6,013  
 
 
Willdan Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Reconciliation of GAAP Revenue and "Revenue, Net of Subcontractor Costs"
   
Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended
In thousands September 26,
2014
  September 27,
2013

 

Change September 26,
2014
  September 27,
2013

 

Change
$   % $   %
Contract revenue $ 28,187,000 $ 21,167,000 7,020,000 33 $ 77,843,000 $ 63,048,000 14,795,000 23
Subcontractor costs 6,019,000 3,788,000 2,231,000 59 15,996,000 12,031,000 3,965,000 33
 
 
Revenue, net of

subcontractor costs

$ 22,168,000 $ 17,379,000 4,789,000 28 $ 61,847,000 $ 51,017,000 10,830,000 21
 
Willdan Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Reconciliation of GAAP Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA
 
The following is a reconciliation of net income to Adjusted EBITDA:
   
Nine Months Ended
In thousands September 26,
2014
  September 27,
2013
Net income $ 7,369 $ 1,929
Interest income 4 (8 )
Interest expense (11 ) 86
Income tax (benefit) expense (1,356 ) 85
Lease abandonment, net 13
Depreciation and amortization 329 452
Gain (loss) on sale of assets 1 (3 )
Adjusted EBITDA $ 6,336 $ 2,554
 
Adjusted EBITDA margin 8.1 % 4.1 %